Thursday, April 24, 2014

Ross Advocates for PAWS Act to Protect Pets

Senator Richard Ross testified this afternoon at a hearing of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on behalf of the PAWS Act. Prior to the hearing, Ross said, "As a dog owner, I am appalled by certain acts of cruelty that have come to light in the Commonwealth."

Ross added, "This violence is not only a threat to the population of animals in Massachusetts, but to our community safety as well. I am hopeful that the enhanced penalties and safeguards included in this bill will close the loopholes present in the Commonwealth’s laws and serve as a proper deterrent to this type of violent crime."

Ross is a cosponsor of Senate Bill 1914, An Act protecting animal welfare and safety, which increases fines and penalties for individuals convicted of animal cruelty crimes, and creates an animal abuse registry. The bicameral, bipartisan effort also establishes an anonymous animal abuse tip hotline and expands the use of the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund to include rehabilitation and care of abused animals, among other important safeguards. The bill was filed by Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).